Updated, detailed scoring of the activities measure for upper limb amputation (AM-ULA).

Background: The Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputation (AM-ULA), an activity measure for prosthesis users, uses a complex grading rubric to assign a single score to task performance which may limit responsiveness.

Purpose: To enhance AM-ULA responsiveness by exploring a scoring that uses multiple grading elements.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Reconciling competing models on the roles of condensates and soluble complexes in transcription factor function.

Phase separation explains the exquisite spatial and temporal regulation of many biological processes, but the role of transcription factor-mediated condensates in gene regulation is contentious, requiring head-to-head comparison of competing models. Here, we focused on the prototypical yeast transcription factor Gcn4 and assessed two models for gene transcription activation, i.e.

Racial disparities in prosthesis use, satisfaction, and physical function in upper limb amputation and the impact of veteran status.

Background: Prior research found that Black veterans with upper limb amputation (ULA) reported greater disability and need for assistance compared to White veterans. The extent to which racial disparities in outcomes exist outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs has not been explored.

Objective: To examine racial disparities in physical function and prosthesis satisfaction among individuals with ULA and assess the potential moderating role of veteran status.

Prosthesis usability experience is associated with extent of upper limb prosthesis adoption: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis.

Factors associated with upper limb prosthesis adoption are not well understood. In this study, we explored how prosthesis usability experience relates to the extent of prosthesis adoption through the development of a structural equation model (SEM). First, items related to prosthesis usability were developed and refined using cognitive testing and pilot testing and employed in a survey of 402 prosthesis users (mean age 61.

10-yr Results of Moderately Hypofractionated Postoperative Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Focused on Treatment Related Toxicity.

Introduction: To retrospectively report long term outcomes following postoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer, emphasizing treatment related toxicity.

Material And Methods: Patients for whom adjuvant or salvage RT was indicated after prostatectomy were treated with a course of moderate hypofractionation consisting in the delivery of 62.5 Gy in 25 fractions (2.

A pilot study of stellate ganglion block paired with exposure therapy: Feasibility and acceptability in combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Background: There is growing evidence that stellate ganglion block (SGB) combined with trauma-focused therapy may help veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) whose symptoms have not responded to traditional treatments. By combining SGB with in vivo exposure, veterans may be more able to fully engage in treatment and see improvement in their overall functioning.

Objective: The primary aim of this project was to conduct a nonrandomized pilot trial on the feasibility and acceptability of delivering SGB paired with individual psychotherapy to veterans with combat-related PTSD.

Knowledge risk management in banks - An area for improving organizational performance.

Research on the topic of knowledge risks and their management in organizations is still very scarce, this also applies to empirical studies. However, to avoid the uncritical acceptance of empirical results, replication studies play a crucial role in science. Therefore, this study represents a replication study of the type of empirical generalization of the paper by Durst et al.

Reduction of oligomer size modulates the competition between cluster formation and phase separation of the tumor suppressor SPOP.

Phase separation compartmentalizes many cellular pathways. Given that the same interactions that drive phase separation mediate the formation of soluble complexes below the saturation concentration, the contribution of condensates versus complexes to function is sometimes unclear. Here, we characterized several new cancer-associated mutations of the tumor suppressor speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), a substrate recognition subunit of the Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligase.

Driving forces of the complex formation between highly charged disordered proteins.

Highly disordered complexes between oppositely charged intrinsically disordered proteins present a new paradigm of biomolecular interactions. Here, we investigate the driving forces of such interactions for the example of the highly positively charged linker histone H1 and its highly negatively charged chaperone, prothymosin α (ProTα). Temperature-dependent single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments and isothermal titration calorimetry reveal ProTα-H1 binding to be enthalpically unfavorable, and salt-dependent affinity measurements suggest counterion release entropy to be an important thermodynamic driving force.

Prosthesis nonuse and discontinuation in United States veterans with major limb amputation: Results of a national survey.

Background: Prosthesis use in persons with amputation can improve mobility and functional independence. Better understanding of the reasons for and outcomes associated with prosthesis nonuse is important to optimize function and long-term health in persons with amputation.

Objectives: Study objectives were to describe the rate, reasons for, and factors associated with never using or discontinuing prosthesis use in United States (US) veterans with amputation.

Reduction of oligomer size modulates the competition between cluster formation and phase separation of the tumor suppressor SPOP.

Phase separation is a ubiquitous process that compartmentalizes many cellular pathways. Given that the same interactions that drive phase separation mediate the formation of complexes below the saturation concentration, the contribution of condensates vs complexes to function is not always clear. Here, we characterized several new cancer-associated mutations of the tumor suppressor Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), a substrate recognition subunit of the Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL3), which pointed to a strategy for generating separation-of-function mutations.

Initial treatment approaches and healthcare utilization among veterans with low back pain: a propensity score analysis.

Background: Opioid prescriptions for Veterans with low back pain (LBP) persist despite the availability of PT, a lower medical risk treatment option. Patterns of treatment and subsequent healthcare utilization for Veterans with LBP are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of physical therapy (PT) and opioids and outcomes of spinal surgery and chronic opioid use for Veterans with incident LBP.

Out-of-pocket costs and affordability of upper limb prostheses.

Background: Given the funding policies in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the affordability of prostheses may be less of a concern among Veterans as compared to civilians.

Objectives: Compare rates of out-of-pocket prosthesis-related payments for Veterans and non-Veterans with upper limb amputation (ULA), develop and validate a measure of prosthesis affordability, and evaluate the impact of affordability on prosthesis nonuse.

Study Design: Telephone survey of 727 persons with ULA; 76% Veterans and 24% non-Veterans.

The Upper Extremity Functional Scale for Prosthesis Users (UEFS-P): subscales for one and two-handed tasks.

Purpose: To develop a self-report measure of activity performance for upper limb prosthesis users that quantifies outcomes by level of amputation and prosthesis type.

Materials And Methods: Telephone survey of 423 adults with major upper limb amputation (ULA) who used a prosthesis. Item generation, cognitive, and pilot testing were followed by field testing.

Quantifying Coexistence Concentrations in Multi-Component Phase-Separating Systems Using Analytical HPLC.

Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated to suggest that numerous instances of cellular compartmentalization can be explained by the phenomenon of phase separation. This is a process by which a macromolecular solution separates spontaneously into dense and dilute coexisting phases. Semi-quantitative, in vitro approaches for measuring phase boundaries have proven very useful in determining some key features of biomolecular condensates, but these methods often lack the precision necessary for generating quantitative models.

Smile In Totems in Radiotherapy: Patients' Satisfaction with Limited Equipment and COVID-19.

Background: We report a mono-institutional experience regarding patient-perceived quality regarding the Chieti Radiotherapy Department, through RAMSI (Radiotherapy Amica Mia-SmileIN-My Friend Radiotherapy) project, in critical scenarios of limited equipment and COVID-19.

Material And Methods: Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) were assessed as follows: Patient-centric welcome perception (PCWP), Comfort, Professional skills and Punctuality. Patients could give anonymous feedback using HappyOrNot technology through four totems located in strategic areas within the center.

Measuring Satisfaction With Upper Limb Prostheses: Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey Revision That Includes Issues of Concern to Women.

Objective: To (1) modify the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey (OPUS) Client Satisfaction with Device (CSD) instrument to incorporate issues of concern to women and (2) evaluate measure's structural and concurrent validity and reliability in persons with upper limb amputation (ULA).

Design: Cross-sectional survey study with retest after 2 weeks. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Rasch analyses were used to select items and examine differential item functioning, range of coverage, and person and item reliability.

Assessment of Patient-Reported Physical Function in Persons With Upper Extremity Amputation: Comparison of Short Form Instruments.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System upper extremity measure (PROMIS UE) 7-item short form with 6- and 13-item versions for persons with upper limb amputation.

Design: The study used a telephone survey of 681 persons with upper limb amputation. Versions were scored two ways: PROMIS health measure scoring (PROMIS UE HMSS) and sample-specific calibration (PROMIS UE AMP).

Whole breast radiotherapy in cN0 early breast cancer patients with pathological sentinel lymph nodes (pN1mic, pN1a) without axillary dissection: preliminary results of the observational LISEN trial.

Purpose: Axillary management remains unclear when sentinel lymph node (SLN) results are positive in cN0 patients with breast cancer (BC). The trial ACOSOG Z0011 represented a revolution with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) omission in SLN+ patients, despite critiques regarding non-uniformity of radiation fields. We conducted an observational study (LISEN) where whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) was planned with tangential fields without nodal irradiation in patients eligible for the Z0011 trial.

Lower Bladder Toxicity of Salvage Adjuvant Modern Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Patients.

Background/aim: In prostate cancer, postoperative radiotherapy timing is debated to avoid overtreatments and toxicities. This study compared acute and late rectal and bladder toxicities in the adjuvant and salvage setting.

Patients And Methods: In total, 129 patients were analyzed in two groups: adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) and salvage radiotherapy (sRT).

Multimodal Evaluation of Voice Outcome in Early Glottic Cancers Treated With Definitive Radiotherapy.

Background/aim: We employed a multimodal evaluation of voice outcome (MEVO) model to assess long-term voice outcome in early glottic cancer (EGC) patients treated with primary radiotherapy (RT). The model consisted of objective and subjective vocal evaluation during follow-up, by a dedicated Speech Pathologist and Speech Therapist.

Patients And Methods: MEVO methodology includes Self-perception Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), evaluation of parameters Grade (G), Roughness (R), Breathiness (B), Asthenia (A) and Strain (S) according to GRBAS scale, objective analysis and aerodynamics using the PRAAT software and laryngeal evaluation with videostroboscope (VS).